H.H. Sheikh Mohammed launches Al Maktoum Archives

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the launch of the Al Maktoum Archives, a facility aimed at preserving the rich legacy of Dubai’s rulers.

Accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the event presented the archives that will serve as a comprehensive repository of records and information pertaining to Dubai’s leaders, encompassing their biographies, collections, and literary works, while documenting their significant historical role in transforming the city into a modern global cultural and economic hub.

The facility will be overseen by the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the goal of disseminating the intellectual, humanitarian, and cultural legacy of Dubai’s rulers through publications and media channels.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed stated that archives will be "open book offering insights on the history of governance in Dubai as a model for advancing development.”

He also added that the entity will be "a new pillar for strengthening our national history, and a reference for those seeking the secrets of our successes and the essence of the leadership and humanitarian experiences of men who dedicated their lives to serving the nation." 

The entity will serve as a primary reference for decision-makers, researchers, academics, and others interested in Dubai rulers’ leadership, intellectual, political, social, and administrative legacy, with plans to create a comprehensive digital record of the emirate’s rulers and the Al Maktoum family.

The event featured a display highlighting the Al Maktoum family tree, with historical photographs of Dubai Rulers dating back from 1894 to recent times exhibited during the event, alongside a collection of books and reference publications housed in the archives that tell the story of Dubai and its leaders over the years. 

Sheikh Mohammed also issued Decree No. (44) of 2025, establishing the Board of Directors of the Al Maktoum Archives Foundation that will be chaired by his Executive Office. The Decree will come into force on the day of its issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

Mohammed bin Rashid issues Decree establishing the Board of Directors for Al Maktoum Archives Foundation.
Members of the Al Maktoum Archives Foundation Board of Directors:

Chairman of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Chairman of the… pic.twitter.com/ntt7gscn0w

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 26, 2025

The Al Maktoum Archives will collaborate with relevant local, regional, and international organisations to facilitate the exchange of information and expertise of historical documents, and to raise cultural awareness about documents, books and biographies pertaining to Dubai rulers.

"Preserving our national heritage is our duty and the right of those who come after us. The story of a ruler is inseparable from the story of his people. The leaders and people of the UAE will remain one in spirit,” added Sheikh Mohammed.

أطلقنا اليوم دارة آل مكتوم .. هدفها حفظ التاريخ، وترسيخ الذاكرة، ورواية القصة الكاملة للسيرة والمسيرة للأجيال القادمة وللمنطقة والعالم .
هدفنا حفظ إرث دبي .. وأرشفته ونشره .
ليس الهدف من الدارة أن نؤسس مؤسسة… بل أن نروي تاريخنا، لأن التاريخ ليس ماضٍ فحسب بل مرآة ننظر فيها… pic.twitter.com/qUylLRo04I

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 26, 2025